Specification Writer-Architecture

Job Description

Dewberry seeks an Architectural Specification Writer with excellent technical and communication skills to join our expanding practice. If you have a strong interest in product research, collaborating in creative design decisions, and providing technical guidance to design teams, this position may be for you. In addition to project specification writing, you will engage in quality control and may participate in project bidding and periodic construction site visits.

The successful candidate will work with all levels of staff within the firm and will take the initiative to research and develop project specifications from start to finish.

You are part of a team

As a member of the specification writing team, you will work among other specifiers to support clients and project teams across the country in the creation of project specifications and project manuals. You will apply your knowledge to a variety of project types, from commercial, to civic, and institutional. You will collaborate with teams in selecting appropriate products and materials for the project type and region while working with clients and contractors to develop project manuals.

As a member of the specification team, you will also aid in creating and maintaining standards and templates to support various project types and service regions.

• Oversee the preparation of Project Manuals for projects of different scales and complexity. Prepare and review the procurement and contracting requirements, including Division 0 and Division 1 sections, and coordinate those requirements with technical sections of specifications.
• Review drawings, documents, and team interviews to determine the extent of specification needs. Coordinate compliance with project requirements, firm standards, and existing laws, regulations, rules, and codes.
• Write, edit, coordinate, and produce architectural outline specifications and 3-part specifications for various types of projects following CSI Master Format.
• Perform QC review of design drawings for technical accuracy and coordination with specifications in Blue Beam or another digital format.
• Collaborate with project architects, managers, and designers in product and material selection. Perform material and product research, and assist with material and system constructability analysis. Incorporate sustainable design solutions into projects.
• Coordinate and review engineering and consultant technical specifications and compile all into complete Project Manual.
• Provide specification support through Construction Administration, assist the CA team to ensure design intent is met during construction, evaluate substitutions, submittals, and respond to RFIs, and obtain feedback on specified product performance during CA.
• Participate in developing and improving document standards and best practice procedures, coordinating with design, specification, LEED, QA/QC, and construction administration personnel.
• Develop, meet with, and maintain relationships with product representatives; stay current with product and system development, new methods and materials, code changes, and industry trends; and educate staff on specification matters.
• Act as a resource for technical questions, submittal review, and material and product selections.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of architectural design, engineering coordination, design trends, products, construction methodology, building systems, material application, and manufacturer/supplier appropriateness.
• Ability to review and understand programs, drawings, and design narratives to discern design intent and meet with project designers, architects, and managers to guide product selections in a timely manner.

Strong Knowledge of:

• Various methods of project delivery and procurement models, both private and public.
• Construction procedures and schedules.
• Building codes, energy compliance requirements, OSHA, ADAAG standards, and federal and state compliance requirements.
• AIA contracts and standard…